CM photographers

jani3

Always day dreaming of Disney...
Joined
Apr 12, 2014
Messages
457
Would the CMs take a pic of us using my own dslr camera? I want pics of us in raw format. I guess I can put it on auto setting so they won't have to mess with the settings.

I know they've taken pics with my iPhone and small p&s but I've never tried with a dslr.
 
Not a problem. I shoot in RAW. I just set it like I want, then hand it off and show them which button to push.

You might have to explain that they'll need to look through the viewfinder though. :) (That's not an insult to CMs. I've just had my share of them holding the camera out of front of them expecting the image to appear on the screen as they shoot.)
 
  • Crew members will have no problems with using your camera.
  • Character helpers will assist with your camera as well.
  • Ship photographers will NOT, especially when they are doing character pictures. Often character pictures are done indoors....
    • Ship photographers will use softboxes and powered lighting for the perfect images.
    • Compact cameras don't have enough flash power to light the scene. Some compact cameras need 10 seconds to recharge the flash, causing others in line to wait. Use the time for the child to talk/interact with the character.
    • on camera flash yields ugly side shadows
    • if you are getting a photo package..... you don't need to use your cameras you are already getting the perfect image.
 
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Just to add that if you are doing any of the RunDisney events, the Marathon photo guys will not use your camera either. However there are CM's at spots to assist you or fellow runners.
 

Definitely set it to auto before handing it over. I forgot to do that and the CM missed focus in what would have been a great pic of my daughter and I on Main St.
 
You might have to explain that they'll need to look through the viewfinder though. :) (That's not an insult to CMs. I've just had my share of them holding the camera out of front of them expecting the image to appear on the screen as they shoot.)

This! I once handed my camera to a CM at a character greeting and she was like, when does the picture appear on screen? I guess most of them are used to smartphones and pocket cameras nowadays. Funny note though, before I could point out to look through the viewfinder, Tigger was all over the CM indicating how she needed to hold the camera. It was a pretty funny moment!
 
Anytime I give someone my DSLR I always have them look through the viewfinder. My camera will do an automatic focus so it clicks once making it seem that the picture was taken but in reality it wasn’t. It clicks once to focus then you hit it again to take the shot. My friend and I don’t have a photo from a road trip a few weeks ago because some guy asked if we wanted a photo together and this was after I did some wine sampling so I never checked if he got the shot LOL and nope, the shot wasn’t there.
 
I keep a large sensor compact around just for handing over to people - couple a DSLR's viewfinder, with back button AF, and most people will never figure out my camera.

Flash is manual, on only in daylight and off indoors and at night.
 
I keep a large sensor compact around just for handing over to people - couple a DSLR's viewfinder, with back button AF, and most people will never figure out my camera.

Flash is manual, on only in daylight and off indoors and at night.


I've never had trouble getting good results handing my DSLR to a cast member. When you buy either set it and say here push this button or put it on automatic.
 
I've never had trouble getting good results handing my DSLR to a cast member. When you buy either set it and say here push this button or put it on automatic.
Even in automatic, I'd need to dive into menus to change the AF control mode. "Push this button until we're in focus, then release, then push this button," always confuses people. A large sensor compact always nails focus on a person since it has nearest face detection, I still end up with a raw file, and I already own the compact anyway because it fits in a pocket.
 
I tend to hand off my dslr off less and less cause the cast members always seem to think the camera is heavy cause of lens plus the flash. I'm always afraid they r going to drop it. They do an ok job. I keep mine in manual and set my focus point at the center and hope for the best. I back focus also but i set the regular button to still focus first also. What i don't like is my shots are always tipped down. They don't squat a little to get us straight on.
 
It has been my experience that the CM's are just picture takers, most are not photographers. They are told or are given a camera set up for the location they are at. They are not allowed to deviate. Example, to change the aperture for a desired change in depth of field.

I tried to talk cameras with a few of them on the last trip, and learned the info about them not being able to deviate.

THAT being said. after they take their pictures, you can hand your camera off to them and with simple instruction, they can take the photograph.
 
Even in automatic, I'd need to dive into menus to change the AF control mode. "Push this button until we're in focus, then release, then push this button," always confuses people. .

yes. back focus is not a concept most understand.

Most of the time I have a prime lens on my d750. People get tripped up not being able to zoom in or out. I have to frame the shot how i want it, and say "stand here" and take my shot. or else i get a ton of negative space, or cut off ankles.
 












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